Kuching has many colonial style architectures and some are well preserved and tastefully rejuvenated to reflect the remnants of the British Empire of James Brooke. I say some because there are many more forgotten and abbandoned sites wearily waiting to be noticed and restored or mercifully saved from the claws of urbanisation. Others are also currently being used but the tenants just couldn't care less about the heritage upkeep.
While walking around in Kuching city browsing the alleyways and back lanes I stumbled upon a beautifully restored old building which houses the Textile Museum of Sarawak. My visit to this museum took place early July but I'm going to describe it like it was just yesterday-it's no fun talking about ancient times.
The weather yesterday was fine as I stepped into the textile museum, not without taking some pictures of the facade and the surroundings first.
Just across the road is the Sarawak General Post Office, very much alive and in operation but the building it uses is sadly not well taken care of. From far it looks fairly white. Take a closer look though and you'll see stains, thick accumulated dust and bird droppings. Plants too start growing on some nooks and crannies containing enough dirt for a good grip - nature. It really is difficult to do paint jobs and basic cleanups isn't it? Human nature.
And yet, across the road, the view is inspiring!
This is the man that greets every visitor on the first floor which displays costumes for every ethnic community in Sarawak, mostly for wedding ceremonies. This is the costume for the Orang Ulu tribe, warrior themed. Ladies, peek no lower, there's nothing down there. He's just another pretty faced dummy.
These are bidayuh newlyweds. They look guilty in one way or another, don't you think so? Hey John! What have you got behind your hand there? And why the worried face Jane? Cheer up, you just got married! Sigh, love is a strange thing.
This is a Malay wedding setup. I see more cheer in the kids' expressions.
And the Melanau newlyweds couple. At least she looks happy.
Here's an Iban couple. Oh no, the bride looks so sad... Whoa! Those are impressive biceps Joe. Go easy on her will ya!
A chart explaining the Bidayuh tribe's wedding tradition. Very elaborate costumes I must say. You wont find them in your local tailor shop though. Maybe one could get married at the museum. Now that's reality TV.
Some Imperial Chinese costumes are also on display. These are Barbie sized dolls, with sticks up their uhm... arse.
Another floor shows how cloth coloring and printing is done in the old days. This setup gave me a stun as I was not expecting anyone doing anything besides quietly browsing in the museum. The air conditioning was buzzing and it was rather cold and very quiet. Most of the time I was the only one in the room. Spooky. And some of the ugly faces didn't help either.
These ladies are hard at work. No breakfast, lunch or dinner break. Not even a ciggie. Talk about begrudged souls.
This dummy looks like it spent more time in the oven than it should. She so needs a facial as well. Clear and smooth complexion, that should do the trick.
There are many charts and posters explaining a lot of stuff about the early textile industry in Sarawak and Malaysia. Very useful for students and researchers and those working in the industry. Drop by even if you're only remotely curious. You might find something you've been wanting to learn.
But don't let the ugly dummies scare you.
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